The LAPD is planning to disband its Human Trafficking and Prostitution Vice Unit due to budget cuts. They are making the decision in the next few days and it is URGENT they hear from taxpayers and concerned citizens that cutting the unit is unacceptable.

Human Trafficking is the 3rd largest criminal enterprise in the world. Los Angeles County is one of the largest trafficking ports in the United States. With the average age of entry into prostitution in the U.S. at 12-14 years old and the demand for trafficked children as sex slaves and slave labor increasing, we can’t afford to close down this unit. The LAPD would never shut down the narcotics vice unit. Preventing the sale of human beings should be an even greater priority. What’s more, untrained officers are more likely to treat those children as criminals instead of victims, which is never okay.

Please tell LAPD Chief Charlie Beck that you want your taxpayer dollars to continue supporting the Human Trafficking and Prostitution Unit. If you’re not an L.A. resident, sign to let him know the city is accountable not only to the children of Los Angeles, but to all who are trafficked through L.A. ports. The Human Trafficking and Prostitution Unit must remain in operation.

PETITION LETTER

LAPD, keep your Prostitution & Human Trafficking Vice Unit!

Greetings,

I’m writing to urge you to continue to protect sexually exploited children in the greater Los Angeles area. We NEED to keep the LAPD Vice Unit for Human Trafficking and Prostitution in operation!

Human Trafficking is the 3rd largest criminal activity in the world and a multi-Billion dollar industry. With the average age of entry into prostitution in the U.S. at 12-14 years old and the demand for trafficked children as sex slaves and slave labor increasing, we can’t afford to close down this unit. The LAPD would never shut down the narcotics vice unit. Preventing the sale of human beings should be an even greater priority. Without a specialized unit of experts in place to go after pimps and traffickers, they will have free-reign of our city to sell our children and children from around the world on the streets of Los Angeles. What’s more, untrained officers are more likely to treat those children as criminals instead of victims, which is simply unacceptable.

Los Angeles is accountable not only to the children of Los Angeles, but to all who are trafficked through L.A. ports. The LAPD needs to commit to protecting all women and children. They are our future and we NEED the Prostitution/Human Trafficking Vice Unit in place to ensure their safety. Please find a way to continue supporting the Human Trafficking and Prostitution Unit.

[Your name]

SIGN THIS PETITION

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DILLON BURROUGHS is an author, activist, and co-founder of Activist Faith. Dillon served in Haiti following the epic 2010 earthquake and has investigated modern slavery in the US and internationally. His books include Undefending Christianity, Not in My Town (with Charles J. Powell), and Thirst No More (October). Discover more at ActivistFaith.org.